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Blog Celebrations Our story

A Reminiscence

When I was in Tucson recently I stayed with a high school friend who graciously allowed me to invite myself into her home. Fifty plus years past high school brings incredible changes in all of us, so we spent some time reacquainting ourselves. Barbara surprised and also blessed me with the question, “Why Rich? What was it that drew you to him?” I got to talk about some of the wonderful things about my husband of 46 years. Sometimes the simple answer would be, “There’s just no one else like him,” which I suppose is true of everyone, but even more so of Rich. If you knew him you’d understand. I told Barbara that I never knew a more courageous nor generous man. He was truly courageous in myriad circumstances, never did I doubt that I was utterly safe in his care. He was not a “tame lion,” but he was good. His generosity knew no bounds whether it be his money, his time, his gifts, his wisdom. His courage and generosity combined when he was not afraid to tell you exactly what he thought! He was generous to share his faith and to carry heavy burdens for others. There was so much more I could have said. Sometime after our initial conversation I texted Barbara and said, “laughter.” Never ever did I enjoy more laughter than in my years with Rich. Barbara gave me a gift by asking me that question, and I could find it easy to talk about that man for a very long time. But subsequently I’ve thought much and realized anew that no one ever loved me so fiercely and deeply as he. He once wrote a song for me when he was on a trip. When he came home he sang it for me. I found it written on a yellow pad and framed it, but I can scarcely look at it without weeping. And I was saddened when all the voice mails I had saved were lost when I got a new phone. Some were sweet, some just asking for something at the store, some cryptic, “Guess what’s my favorite nickname for you?” He had so many terms of endearment, but I never got the answer to that one. I know I will never lose his voice in a song, or in a message, but there was something comforting about being able to hear him ask for a favor. The dance of the leftovers was especially rough this year as it was the first real one we had since he left us. And he is such an integral part of that event: in choosing the songs, and the spirit of joy and gratitude that permeates the time. We were still “Taking Care of Business,” admiring the perfect hair of those “Werewolves in London,” and I could just see him delighting in our line dancing, even in later years watching from his wheelchair but making it fun for others. I also know that Rich was not perfect. He was a terrible patient far too often in his last few years, too stubborn at times. Yet in spite of all, and living in constant pain and frustration, he still was a gift, though the package was much bruised and battered. So I thank my kind and hospitable friend for reminding me how blessed I am to have shared so many years of life, love, laughter, joy, and sorrow with this remarkable man. Thanks!

Regan

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Blog Our story

The Richest Estate

The envelope arrived in the mail with no fanfare: from the estate of H. Richard Read. Inside was nestled a check for $1.82. That’s correct; the entire estate of H. Richard Read amounted to $1.82. I think I will frame the check so I can be reminded of the true riches he left behind.

You can’t put a dollar amount on the “real” estate that Rich left all those who knew him. My kids and grandkids now share the home that we bought together forty some years ago. This old house has seen a lot of life, and that continues to this day. Just this week a man who recently was released from prison, someone we had helped years ago, stopped by to say hello. Even in this age of Covid, people who have been loved, cared for, touched by us, show up. It’s a relief for them to know that we are still here. There’s something to be said for just staying. Constancy is a rare but precious commodity. Longevity too often loses the battle to novelty, and we are the worse for it.

Yesterday, my son and older granddaughter watched the Yankees play in the post-season. This is the first baseball season that Rich and Jack have missed watching together. And it was bittersweet. This is but one of many traditions Rich instigated and which continue to this day, this week, this season, this year. The baseball draft, meticulously choosing fantasy teams, enjoying yummy food, and launching lighthearted rivalries-this is part of the Rich estate. Opening day at Dodger stadium with the traditional stop at Phillipe’s for French dip is eagerly anticipated annually. Perhaps some day in the future, the grandkids will continue to honor Gramps’ legacy in this way, taking their children to Yankee games, laughing, cheering, and munching their way through nine or more innings. May it be so.

Recently Jack was appreciating his long friendship with Ryan, remembering Rich’s example of enduring friendships. Rich had great and faithful friends because he was a great and faithful friend. To find one true friend in this world is elusive, especially in the age of virtual “friends.” But Rich formed those strong alliances; loyal, faithful, and long lasting friendships which stood the test of time. As Rich’s health declined in his later years, these friends just “showed up,” as Rich had done for them countless
times before. That’s what I call “real” estate!


And books… a cavalcade of books, from the ridiculous to the sublime. As we are still organizing Rich’s voluminous library, we find everything for the bibliophile: knock-knock jokes, theology, history, children’s books, Bibles, animal, vegetable, mineral, it’s all there. There are first editions, dust covers intact, in pristine condition, and books gleaned from thrift stores, with stickers of 99 cents, or even $1.99. Books are to be treasured, revered, and cared for diligently, whether expensive or bargain basement. This legacy is also bequeathed to future generations. Stories are carefully culled over and selected, just the right words for the right occasions. Christmas stories, scary stories, poetry, allegories all come alive as read by Rich to audience
young and old. Funny bedtime stories are read at Wineskins year after year, eagerly anticipated. Whether we hear them for the first or fourth time, they are always special and memorable. Personal stories, created for each child bring characters to life: Murky, Urbootie, and Noah Growl. The stories are as unique and individual as each child. The characters are as unforgettable today as their creator.


Music came to life in the Read estate. Songs were sung every night at bedtime. There were always the classics, and then the made-up songs, again each tailored to and special for each child. Today the son sings the same songs to his daughters; the daughter sings to her son. Special songs bring a flood of memories. “Now Is the Hour, When We Must Say Goodnight,” “Danny Boy,” “Heart of My Heart,” “Shine on Harvest Moon,” are just of few of the nightly renditions the kids eagerly anticipated. Once, when Rich returned from a trip to the Northwest, he told me he had written a song for me. And he had. And he wrote the words down and he sang it for me. It is framed in my room, one of the ineffable memories of Rich.


These are but of few of the invaluable gifts bestowed on all who knew Rich, with ripple effects ever extending outward. Some gifts are tangible, they are worn, or read, or listened to, or looked at, or admired, or played with. We are still finding hidden treasures among all that has been left behind; Rich’s special gift of presence and presents. Thoughtful foresight left gifts for the babies coming whom he would never get to meet. While they will never meet Gramps, he will have indelibly touched their lives, and the lives of those yet to come.


In the worldly sense, the estate of H. Richard Read: $1.82. In Kingdom currency: priceless.
Regan Read
October 10, 2020

Categories
Apologetics Updates

On Reading Books

book with Kindle
On Reading Books by Regan Read

For my 70th birthday I got a Kindle, something quite new and different for me. It’s amazing and thoughtful; there are 1000’s of books at one’s fingertips. It’s so lightweight and compact that it’s entirely portable. I shall never again be stuck somewhere without something to read.

Strangely, this wonderful gift caused me to do some serious reflection on something very dear to me-books. I grew up in homes surrounded by books of every kind. Both my parents were serious readers; I looked forward to going to the library to get…more books! The Kindle is ingenious, and I will make great use of it, but there’s nothing to compare with books, at least in my book.

Some think of books as relics of a bygone era, bound for obsolescence, but I object! The feel of a book in your hands, turning the pages, now that’s sublime. A new book has a smell rivaling that “new car” smell. And leather binding really seals the deal for me. Or what about holding the book of a loved one, and seeing all their notes and observations, or just cherishing the thoughts of someone no longer here? That’s a privilege not for everyone but the very blessed.

Not everyone gets the joy of having a book, but today it’s much taken for granted. When people misuse or abuse books, it makes me a little sad. They just don’t understand the treasure they possess. When kids dog ear book pages, it’s a bit outrageous. And when the book is turned upside down to hold a place, well, that’s simply cruel and unusual punishment. Sometimes I will say, “Can’t you hear that? It’s your book crying because you are breaking its spine.” Okay, so that’s a little weird. Tear a book’s pages? Write in it? Leave it on the ground and step on it? Perish the thought!

Many years ago Rich taught a class on how to read a book. You might think that’s rather obvious, but I’m just sorry that most of you missed it. First, look it over. Then, read the table of contents. Anticipate what you are about to discover. Thumb through the pages, carefully, of course. Scan for meaning. But most important of all, “skim the cream.” Anyone can critique a book, pick out its flaws and deficiencies, but it takes discipline to purposefully choose to find what is good. Sometimes there’s more chaff than wheat, but there may always be a nugget you might have otherwise overlooked.This lesson will serve you well in life; seek what is good, right, and true, and you will more likely encounter it.

We all know that books are full of words, and we know that Jesus was the Word from the beginning, so we must never take words, nor books lightly. From them we can discern truth from falsehood. A discerning reader can find truth in myriad places. After all, our Lord was a consummate storyteller, and the ultimate truth teller. In fact, He is the Truth, and the Way, and the Life. And of course, we have The Book, the word which is sharper than any two-edged sword. Many have given their life for it, dedicated their lives to translating it, taken it to the ends of the earth. Do not make theirs a vain sacrifice.

In many a doomsday scenario, there is no electricity, power source, civilization. Only darkness. Once there were Dark Ages, where it seemed light, and truth, and wisdom, and culture, and history, and words, and knowledge were in danger of extinction. Who were the keepers of these treasures? The dedicated God fearers, who preserved for future generations the words of life and light. Who will keep them for those who come behind us? There is yet beauty to behold in the pages of a book, to edify, instruct, delight and bring joy to others. But today we have books. Let’s treasure them.

If I were a poet, I’d write an ode to the glory of books, or if I were a musician, I could write a symphony. But for today, I will let this small tribute to one of my favorite things suffice. And I will try to keep my own counsel, never again to take a good book, or The Good Book for granted. May it be so.

Categories
Newsletter Unity Updates

Upson Downs 7-4-2020

Dear friends, I just realized it’s been a while since I updated this post. I find myself often experiencing different aspects of grief that seem to drain motivation for certain endeavors. Nevertheless, I proclaim that God is good.  

Since May 25th, my last submission, I observed what would have been my 47th wedding anniversary with brothers and sisters, recalling too many wonderful memories to count, sharing joy and sorrow with my church family. Later,we also celebrated Father’s Day, remembering our last Father’s Day in the hospital with Rich, enjoying (?) takeout pizza in less than perfect circumstances. This year, as we celebrated Rich in absentia, we received many words of love and care from far off places from those who had experienced Rich as a father and friend. And we honored the dads (and expectant dads) who take seriously the responsibility of being Godly fathers. We are graciously blessed. 

The teachers here gratefully finished the weirdest school year in memory, adapting to remote teaching and missing daily face-to-face encounters with our students. Some of us adjusted considerably better than others (like me!) Although we don’t know what the future holds, we confidently affirm who holds our future. For that we should be abundantly thankful.

June has brought nationwide, even worldwide turmoil. Knowing that His Church must engage the world boldly and graciously, we have struggled with how best to respond. We know that God is a God of unity and reconciliation, always proclaiming that Jesus tore down the dividing walls; we must not rebuild them. This is a tough sea to navigate, knowing the way is strewn with many obstacles. At times those obstacles seem insurmountable, but we serve a mighty God. 

We participated in one peaceful protest, a walk for peace, with New Mount Calvary MBC which took place in downtown Los Angeles, coordinated with the mayor and LAPD. Even then we were trying to balance the need for safety in the midst of Coronavirus, protecting our most vulnerable, yet also striving to be peacemakers in the Kingdom. 

We also know that we are engaged daily in spiritual warfare. That may seem confusing to some reading this, but we believe that only with the weapons of the Spirit will the battle be won; we cannot rely on politics to save us. 

We had a new experience attending New Mount Calvary’s first drive-in gathered worship. We were thankful that Jack was asked to speak words of peace at that occasion. It was a poignant reminder of our first attempts at reconciliation in 1992, and our gracious welcome from Pastor Lonnie Dawson. We thank God for the many ways we are able to continue our partnership to the present. That’s the Spirit!

May you all have a great long holiday weekend, praying for the God of peace to triumph in these days of challenge.

Best Regards,
Regan Read

Categories
Updates

Upson Downs 5-25-2020

This is the week of joyful sadness as we remember Ravi Zacharias, gone from our world too soon. We are also reminded of Rich, born in 1946 (a very good year) and his dying at age 74, just like Ravi. I’m not trying to draw too many comparisons, or to overly stretch the similarities, but we who knew Rich also know him as a great man and a true apologist for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rich and Regan’s 47th anniversary is May 27th, and the Zacharias were married 48 years at the time of his death. If the two men haven’t met in heaven yet, I am confident they will some day, maybe gathering with some of their heroes: C.S.Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Malcom Muggeridge, still learning from each other, sharpening their minds, and sharing a love of Jesus. 

We are shifting our Bible study to an in-depth dive into Church leadership, looking forward to a SALT class in partnership with Hope International University, led by the team of Jack McCorkel and Gene Sonnenberg. How blessed we are! 

Today we celebrate Memorial Day with an outdoor barbecue, remembering those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf. Grace and peace to all.

Categories
Our story Updates

Strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow

Christmas 2019

Before Rich and I married in 1973, my friends asked me, “Why Rich?” My answer was, “There’s no one else like Rich.” And while each individual is truly unique, Rich was even more so. I think all who were blessed to know him would agree.

Rich was born in Syracuse, New York on August 12, 1946. It’s said that his father ran around the streets near the hospital joyfully announcing his birth. Rich has two older sisters who adored him. He had the gift of a rich Christian heritage and enjoyed a rare closeness with his family. Part of the Read family legacy is enduring commitment; his parents were married for over seventy years. Another legacy is laughter, deep, resounding, joyful hilarity, and too many silly pranks to recount here.

Rich grew up bold and confident, bolstered by his family’s strong support and his own natural gifts and talents. One of his greatest talents was making friends. He developed friendships which have endured for decades. Faithful friends are hard to find; Rich had an abundance. There is really no mystery here; he had so many friends because he was a friend to so many. 

We met in college when I was a freshman and he a second year senior. He always said that he managed to cram four years of education into five! One thing that I appreciated about him from the get-go was that he remained friends with all the girls he previously dated. I realized that there was something both unique and wonderful about this. I could look forward to being friends in the future, since Rich had three “vows,” – never get married, never be a pastor, and never have children.

Ironically, we were married over 46 years at the time of his death, he was a pastor for even longer, and we have three children, many “adopted” children, one granddaughter, and two more on the way! He was an amazing pastor/mentor, a remarkable husband, and an exemplary father. If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.

As I said, Rich had myriad gifts. He was a true visionary; he had an enviable grasp of the Scriptures along with the ability to teach others. Though he hated reading, it was truly a labor of love that he was such a committed student. His breadth of knowledge was impressive, and he maintained serious study habits even when in failing health. Another natural asset was his knack for connecting people. Friends have become friends, relationships formed, and connections maintained because of Rich, even though people might be unaware of his influence behind the scenes. 

Ill health has been part of the Rich story for many years, especially in 2010 when he was afflicted with transverse myelitis, an “idiopathic” illness which rendered his previously strong legs weak and painful, and consigned him to a wheelchair for the remainder of his days. The pain only increased through the years, as did many other health problems, especially in the last couple of years. Through this trial, this local body of believers learned how to become caregivers. Rich had to learn to become a care receiver, transitions which were not easily made at times. During his frequent hospital stays, Rich was never left alone. This little “company of the committed” stepped up and tag teamed for many hours, days, weeks, and months. Friends and partners came to help, demonstrating true friendship. “Greater love hath no man…”

Even with his body failing in countless ways, wracked with constant pain and sleeplessness, Rich still managed to teach a young disciple to prepare him for baptism, teach about the nature and purpose of the Church, conduct ad hoc parenting sessions, and love and mentor pastors and friends. He still called the congregation on to greater faithfulness, and tried to maintain a sense of humor, albeit not always successfully. He still managed to remember special occasions and find ways to buy special gifts for others. He was extravagant in his generosity and in his larger than life persona. Few folks who knew Rich had not been treated to a special meal with him. If he could no longer go out, he made certain that others could share meals on his dime. Table fellowship was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry; Rich took this example to heart.

His teachings, exhortations, sayings, and life examples continue to instruct us in this congregation. He was fond of encouraging us with these words from one of his favorite hymns: “Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with 10,000 beside.” (Great Is Thy Faithfulness) This has gotten us through many a difficult struggle. 

Fittingly, we were able to donate Rich’s corneas. It is nearly miraculous that there was anything salvageable from his bruised and battered body.  During his lifetime, Rich had brought spiritual insight and vision to many of us who once were blind. He was able to give actual sight to someone through his death.

It would take too many more pages to capture the essence of this extraordinary man. He had wanted to come home from the hospital, but was unable to due to essential medications. When he died on January 30, 2020, one of our young men stated, “Rich got to leave the hospital.” Indeed he did. Hallelujah!

Regan Read 

March 15, 2020